Neighbours window looking into my bedroom

chocomonsta

Hi

My house backs on to the side of a neighbours house.

They have replaced their side window which used to be a fixed opaque window with a fully opening (180 degrees) window.

As their window is higher up than my bedroom if I lie in my bed they can see me lying in it.

I think their window is the hallway and stairs so they frequently go past and if I am there they stare. It is possible they have a desk there as the husband appears to be sitting looking out and if I am in my bedroom he continues to watch. :mad:

Is there something I can do. At the moment I close the blinds so they cant see in. It just feels so rude on their part! They have been in about a year and it was the previous owners who changed the window.

Aced2016

There's not much you can do!

Personally I would just keep the blinds closed if I was in my room. Only open them if your out or downstairs. Some people are just strange and these people may be just that.

moneyistooshorttomention

That was inconsiderate for them to have that window changed.

I'd be feeling annoyed too that these people are taking the opportunity to stare in.

Perhaps put up some double width sheer curtains at your bedroom window? I noticed that some of my nfh neighbours seemed to be looking in the direction of one of my windows and one width of sheers didnt seem to be enough (ie as they seemed to be aware if I were behind them). So I put up a second pair of sheers as well at that window.

shortcrust

I could be completely wrong but my understanding is you can't change an opaque non-ground floor window on the side of a house with clear glass without planning permission. I'm sure someone will correct this if I'm wrong, but if not it would be worth checking with your local planning department.

I'm looking at getting new window put in on the side of my house on the first floor and from what I've read it needs to be opaque glass.

Cheeky_Monkey

That's just what I was thinking shortcrust :beer:

Jackmydad

Cheeky_Monkey wrote: »

That's just what I was thinking shortcrust :beer:

Likewise.
I read something about it somewhere.

I_have_spoken

You should speak to the planner officer in the council, but failing to act at the time the window was changed was an oversight on OPs part

Mojisola

chocomonsta wrote: »

They have been in about a year and it was the previous owners who changed the window.

Why didn't you do something about it when the previous owners made the changes?

As a remedy now, have a look at the mirror reflective films like this - https://www.windowfilm.co.uk/buy-online/window-film-by-the-metre/privacy/high-reflective-silver-window-film-for-daytime-privacy

As soon as it's darker outside than in, the neighbours will be able to see through it so get in the habit of always closing your blinds in the evening.

Jonesya

See link here:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/14/doors_and_windows

If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level

getmore4less

Get a picture blind.

If you can find a picture of the wife get that printed on the blind.

ukjoel

Agree with previous posts.

If you apply for a new build or extension I think all windows that face your neighbors are required to be obscured.

Sometimes people will just use the cheap film (and then remove it once the build is signed off) but if its reported to planners by the neighbours you can get into trouble.

I would report it and they will need to spend £10 on some film to cover up their new window.